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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in water and sediment: simulation tests

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Administrative data

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Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: simulation testing on ultimate degradation in surface water
Data waiving:
study technically not feasible
Justification for data waiving:
the study does not need to be conducted because the substance is highly insoluble in water
Justification for type of information:
PETN is highly insoluble in water (water solubility <43 mg/L).
Transformation products:
not specified
Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: sediment simulation testing
Data waiving:
study technically not feasible
Justification for data waiving:
other:
Justification for type of information:
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a highly explosive organic compound belonging to the same chemical family as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. PETN is a sensitive compound and is easily detonated by an appropriate mechanical shock or when it is exposed to heat. It retains its properties in storage for longer periods than do nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose. According to REACH annex XI, section, 2, testing for a specific endpoint may be omitted, if it is technically not possible to conduct the study as a consequence of the properties of the substance: e.g. very volatile, highly reactive or unstable substances cannot be used, mixing of the substance with water may cause danger of fire or explosion or the radio-labelling of the substance required in certain studies may not be possible. This exemption (unstable substance) shall be applicable to PETN because it is “an unstable explosive” (as per CLP, hazard statement H200). Submitting the substance to testing would pose an extreme risk to the laboratory personnel and facilities due to explosive nature of the substance. Please find more information attached in IUCLID section 13.2.
Transformation products:
not specified

Description of key information

Simulation testing on ultimate degradation in surface water study does not need to be conducted since PETN is highly insoluble in water. Due to explosive properties of the substance, no further testing could be conducted.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

PETN is a sensitive compound and is easily detonated by an appropriate mechanical shock or when it is exposed to heat. Submitting the substance to testing would pose an extreme risk to the laboratory personnel and facilities due to explosive nature of the substance.